What is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor crime?

A misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by up to one year in the county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.00, or any combination thereof. Felonies, on the other hand, are more serious crimes which are punishable by more than one year in the Missouri Department of Corrections. If convicted of a felony, prison sentences can range anywhere from one year all the way up to a life sentence or the death penalty, depending on the classification of the felony.